Japanese city Kumamoto to use robots for encouraging more students to be present at schools; Here’s what happened
Kumamoto, a city in Japan, is taking innovative steps to address the rising issue of truancy among students. In a bid to encourage absentee children to engage in remote learning and eventually return to school, the city is introducing robot assistants into its classrooms.
How will the robots work?
Equipped with microphones, speakers, and cameras, these 1-meter-high, self-propelling robots will make their debut in Kumamoto classrooms in November. While teachers will continue to be present, the city's board of education anticipates that these robots will play a pivotal role in helping absent students conquer their anxieties and regain the confidence to participate in in-person education.
Students opting for remote learning will connect with these tablet-equipped robots via their laptops, allowing them to actively participate in the same lessons and engage in discussions alongside their classmates.
These robots won't be confined to the classroom alone. Local education authorities have envisioned them freely roaming school premises and participating in various school events.
Addressing a Growing Concern
The decision to introduce these robots stems from a growing concern over the increasing number of truant children, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2022 academic year, Kumamoto recorded 2,760 primary and junior high school students who were not attending classes. This marked the fourth consecutive annual rise since 2018 when 1,283 students were listed as absent.
Earlier this year, Kumamoto schools deployed teaching assistants to stream classes, enabling absentee students to join online. This initiative received positive feedback from the students themselves, with reports of improved self-esteem and
